Automakers Seek to Resurrect Bush Fuel Economy Regs

Published: 31-Jan-2009

WASHINGTON -- Auto makers are pressing U.S. regulators to adopt fuel-economy rules drafted by the George W. Bush administration after U.S. President Barack Obama signaled this week he may impose stricter standards.

A set of rules drafted by Bush officials last year would require all cars and light trucks on U.S. roads to meet an average fuel economy of 31.8 miles per gallon by 2015, up from about 25 mpg today. Bush officials had planned to finalize the rules but ultimately left the task to Obama.

The auto industry initially opposed the drafted standards, saying regulators were being too aggressive in their effort to improve fuel economy. Now, the industry is strongly backing them.

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